binary systems of a copper compound (or metallic compounds) and an isocyanide catalyze the Michael addition reaction. As the copper component, Cu2O, metallic copper and copper acetylacetonate are effectual, whereas CuCl, CuCl2, and CuO are ineffectual. The catalyst of copper isocyanide complex is characterized by the selective activation of cyano olefin compounds such as acrylonitrile. This was demonstrated